Zygaena erythrus

Zygaena erythrus has a wingspan of 25–33 mm. These quite large moths show enlarged and confluent red spots on the forewings, surrounded by black in the distal part. Females are little bigger than males, with a yellow golden dusting and less defined markings. The mature larva is rather dark greyish, with two series of dorsal black spots. This species is very similar to Zygaena purpuralis, but it has red scales in the axillary area of the forewings, up to a third of the length.

This endangered species can be found only in France and Italy. It prefers dry and rocky areas with sparse vegetation and limestone substrate, but it is also present in heathlands, in nutrient-poor grasslands and in broad verges in oak forests with the host plant Eryngium species, from sea level to over 1,500 metres (4,900 ft).